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Polling stations eliminated

Poor voter turnout has prompted the Township to reduce the number of polling stations for the Nov. 19 civic election.

Eliminated from the list of stations are Alex Hope Elementary in Walnut Grove, Glenwood Elementary in South Langley, and Langley Meadows and Willoughby elementary schools.

In a report to council, deputy clerk Susan Palmer said that Alex Hope was scrapped because only two locations are required in that community. Dorothy Peacock and James Kennedy elementary schools will remain Walnut Grove’s polling places.

Palmer noted that the stations being eliminated are close to other polling locations.

Combined, the four eliminated stations accounted for 2,827 votes in the 2008 election.

The cost was the chief reason for eliminating the stations. Palmer, whose appointment as chief election officer for this year’s polling was approved by council on March 28, said that closing them would save taxpayers approximately $8,500.

Furthermore, having fewer polling stations allows the Township “to exercise greater control of the voting process, while still keeping in mind the goal of providing a convenient place for Township residents to vote,” she said.

The election is for mayor, eight councillors and five school trustees. The nomination period opens on Oct. 4 and closes on Oct. 14.